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A Horse Called Hooch Wins NATRC Top Award

Beatrice, Nebraska, USA – February 20, 2017 – Turnner’s Wildcard, a.k.a. Hooch, a champagne Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse gelding, owned and ridden by Lin Ward of Westcliff, CO, was named the winner of the North American Trail Ride Conference’s (NATRCTM) highest award, the 2016 President’s Cup, at the national convention held February 17-18, 2017 in Chattanooga, TN.

: Lin’s attention is on an upcoming pulse and respiration (P&R) check. This is an on-trail measure of the horses’ condition Photo by Christy Cumberworth

Lin purchased Turnner’s Wildcard as a 7-year old after an intensive search and after first riding him under a full moon, at night, on a trail at the breeder’s facility. Lin recalls, “he just listened and did all I asked.”

After getting him home, Lin changed his name. She says, “Never name a horse something you don’t want them to be. With a ‘Kentucky Full Moon’ ride as our first experience together, he became Hooch.” She says it fits him well as he has lots of personality.

It took 13,137 miles of trailering, competition in 16 NATRC rides, and winning in different states and regions beginning in March and finishing in the first week of November, to put Hooch at the top! Through it all, he did not lose a single pulse and respiration point, have a sore back or leg, and remains a sound, sane and happy horse.

NATRC, the United States’ oldest and largest long distance competitive trail ride organization, is open to all equine breeds and disciplines. “It is a wonderful organization that helps folks train, ride and compete sound, fit, smart, and most importantly, safe horses,” says Lin. For more information on NATRC, go to www.natrc.org